What is as fun as going aboard? Listening to people’s stories on their journey abroad! On Wednesday, 27th of November 2024. The International Office of Unisba held a momentous event that connects present and future IISMA Awardees with support from U-GIS. The Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program is an initiative from the Ministry of Education that provides a golden opportunity for Indonesian students to continue their studies for one semester at a foreign university. Not only does it open academic horizons, but this program also enriches cultural experiences and prepares students for careers in the international arena. To prepare for IISMA 2025, International Office of Unisba held the IISMA Inspiration Assemblage event. This event will provide in-depth insight into the experiences and journeys of the awardees who have successfully gone through difficult selection and are now studying abroad. The IISMA INSPIRATION ASSEMBLAGE is not just about sharing ordinary experiences but is an opportunity to get direct inspiration from those who have experienced international life as IISMA students. Three IISMA 2024 awardees from Unisba will share their stories about the selection process, academic life, and the challenges they face in different countries.
2024 IISMA Awardee Speakers:
1. Salma Hanifa—Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Salma shared her experiences studying at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), how she prepared herself to study abroad, and the valuable experiences she gained in dealing with various cultural differences and educational systems.
2. Arini Baasir – Faculty of Psychology, University of Padua Italy, Arini shared her experience studying psychology at the University of Padua, Italy. She shared the challenges he faced and how she adapted to Europe’s academic and social environment.
3. Muhammad Yeoh Valent—Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Szeged, Hungary. Valent explained his academic journey at the University of Szeged, Hungary, especially in the fields of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. His experience of facing a different education system, as well as the opportunities he obtained, will be an inspiring story.
From this sharing session, we’re listening to the real stories of awardees who have successfully undergone the IISMA program and studied abroad. Valuable Tips & Tricks from their experiences preparing to participate in IISMA, from administrative preparation to daily life abroad. This event was attended by Unisba students and lecturers from various faculties, with more than 100 participants joining the Zoom meeting about building international connections that open up multiple opportunities in the future. This is a valuable opportunity for students who dream of joining IISMA 2025 and gaining invaluable academic experience.
Their impressions when attending the IISMA Inspiration Assemblage seminar:
“This IISMA seminar is cool! A lot of important information was conveyed, such as how to register, what needs to be prepared, and exciting stories from IISMA Awardees 2024. I’m not only got an insightful knowledge, but also become more motivated to go abroad . Hopefully, events like this will be held more often! I hope the International office of Unisba will held other seminar with a more detailed session about tips and tricks so that your chances of passing are greater.” Marsya Azizah Al-Ghanni (Faculty of Syariah).
“Very insightful, inspiring, so we understand better that while we study abroad, it is definitely very different from studying at home. For example, while abroad we have to walk a lot, but it trains us to be healthy; basically, it’s really exciting to share this IISMA Inspiration Assemblage session.” Sekar Auliya Rizki (Faculty of Psychology).
